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Flying to Disney World? If you’re wondering which is the closest airport to Disney World in Orlando, Florida – find tips right here. (This guide is NOT for Disneyland California) Get Disney flight tips for MCO and more...
What to know about traveling to Disney World by plane
- Which airport should you fly into? You have two options…1). Orlando International Airport (MCO) 2). Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). MCO is far closer to Disney World. About half the driving distance (30 - 45 minutes).
- Options to get to Disney. Rent a car, take Uber/Lyft/Taxi, does your hotel offer pickup?
- Third party drivers charge a flat $100 to get to Disney, so have cash with tip available for a smooth transaction.
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Check out the full-length video
This is an overview of flying into Disney World’s MCO airport.
We were flying from Dallas, Texas to Disney World.
If you’re in the Dallas area, check out the best restaurants in Plano and the best restaurants in Allen.
What to know before you go to MCO (Orlando International Airport)…
- MCO is the closest airport to Disney. About a 30 - 45 minute drive depending on traffic and weather.
- Baggage will be found on both level one and two when exiting.
- If you’re ridesharing (Uber/Lyft), pickup can be found on level two depending on the terminal.
- Most ground transportation and rental car companies can be found on level one of both terminal A and B.
- There are two terminals…A and B which you get to by shuttle.
- Magical Express transportation from MCO to Disney Resorts is no-longer offered to my knowledge.
What airport is closest to Disney World?
Orlando International Airport is the airport closest to Disney World.
You could decide to arrive at Orlando Sanford International Airport, but you will be adding 30+ to your drive time to Disney.
So if you have the option, choose Orlando International Airport.
See what to do your first day at Disney World...
11 Tips For Flying To The Closest Airport To Disney World?
1. Fly into MCO airport in Orlando
Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) if possible as that’s the closest airport to Walt Disney World.
Alternate airports are Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) ~45 - 60 minutes from Disney World or Tampa International Airport (TPA) ~90 minutes from Disney World.
We took Southwest to fly to MCO from Love Field Dallas, Southwest’s airline hub in the area.
2. Don’t rent a car if staying onsite or nearby
Why do I recommend you don’t rent a car for Disney World?
It’s may not be worth it if you are staying on-site at a Disney World resort or a nearby friendly Disney hotel like at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.
Rideshare from the closest airport to Disney World
For Disney transportation to your hotel, plan to use a rideshare or taxi to get you from the airport to Disney World.
This saves you time and money because you won’t have to pay for onsite parking at your hotel/resort or the parks.
If you do rent a car, be ready for the toll roads to and from Disney.
3. Know where baggage claim is at MCO
Baggage claim is located on level two of MCO.
That’s the same level for getting a rideshare.
4. Know how much a rideshare from MCO to Disney is
Many black car rental rideshares charge a flat $100 to get you from the airport to Disney World.
This is what we paid each way for a large SUV because we had several bags plus a stroller.
Traveling to Disney with a toddler? Many rideshares offer the option to select a car with a car seat. Look into it if that’s something you need for your trip.
5. Pack for a day of Disney in your carry on bag
Bring at least one carry-on bag that has extra clothes.
It’s always best to be safe and have some backup clothes in case your checked bags don’t make it.
This includes packing any necessary medication in your carry-on too.
6. Download the mobile app for your airline.
I can’t recommend this enough. You’ll receive instant updates regarding your flight.
7. Reserve Mears in advance from MCO
Don’t want to take rideshare to your Disney hotel?
Reserve your seats for the Mears Connect bus a few days in advance.
This is a pay for ride bus that takes you to Disney area hotels/resorts. Mears Connect picks up in Terminal B, Level 1 of MCO.
8. Pay for early bird check-in if possible.
That just makes for an easier trip.
Especially if you’re traveling with kids to Disney.
9. Plan your baggage weight with souvenirs in it
Make sure that your checked luggage weighs less than 50 lbs unless you don’t mind spending extra for overweight bags.
10. Get to MCO in time for your flight!
So many people fly in and out of this airport, each and every day.
It can get busy and there can be very long lines both at curbside and inside when you need to catch your flight.
When returning to MCO for your flight home, book your trip to the airport in advance and arrive ~2 hours prior to your flight's departure.
11. No, really – get to MCO early!
I’d say closer to 3 hours, just in case!
MCO has a wide variety of eating options, including a house-brewed beer spot if you have some time to kill pre-flight.
Where is Orlando International Airport (MCO) located?
MCO is located 30 minutes East of Disney World.
Exact address of MCO: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827.
Direct phone number for MCO if you need it - (407) 825-2001.
Quick look at flying to MCO from Love Field
Here's a quick look at flying to MCO from Love Field, flying Southwest Airlines to Disney World.
My opinion of flying to the closest airport to Disney World?
- It was a breeze coming from Texas, so a short flight.
- MCO was an enjoyable and easy airport to go through. Especially for my toddler. He loved taking the shuttle to and from the terminal.
- Generally speaking, MCO was clean, neat, and orderly. Baggage came out quickly and picking up a rideshare was a breeze and highly recommended.
FAQs
You have a couple of different options…
1). Take a taxi/rideshare
2). Rent a car
3). See if your hotel or resort offers pickup. If you rideshare to Disney, expect the cost to be a flat $100 + additional tip for your driver.
Oftentimes drivers will give you their direct contact number so you can book a ride back to the airport for your departure flight. This is how they get around going through a service like Uber or Lyft. Anyways, it's up to you what you want to do there.
NO, you definitely don’t need to rent a car. In my opinion, it’s easier to use a rideshare or use your hotel's bus to get to and from the parks. In my case, our hotel offered bus service to all of the parks. It was timely and convenient. Just obtain a bus schedule from the front desk of your hotel.
If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort, they will offer bus service too. Depending on what resort you’re staying at, you might be able to pick up the skyliner directly from your resort to whatever park you want.
Not all resorts have skyliner access though. We have used the Skyliner multiple times from Disney's Riviera Resort to the arcade at Art Of Animation, and it is always a breeze.
See how to take the Skyliner from Riviera to Art Of Animation...
More tips for planning a Disney World trip
Shop my favorite things to buy in advance for a Disney World trip:
- Brooks sneakers for women (see more on shoes for Disney)
- Matching Disney adult and kids hats
- 2 pack of ponchos
Get more tips...
- Tips for flying to the closest airport to Disney World
- What to order at Topolino's Terrace for dinner at Riviera Resort
- Review of Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Disney dining tips from Jenna Loves Magic
Remember: for any sit-down dinner or character meal, I recommend to definitely book 60 days out, or whenever your Disney dining dates open.
If you’re staying on site, you can book dining reservations earlier as a perk.
Don’t have reservations? Check regularly during your trip, on the app, or walk up to the restaurant early in the day and request a day-of reservation. Disney reservations are often dropped day-of since sometimes people “hoard them”.
I once was a walk-up and was told there would be a 90 minute wait for a table at Steakhouse 71.
Not a problem, since it’s an interesting hotel to walk around and they have an arcade.
Anyways, within 5 minutes my reservation was ready because someone canceled. So you never know.
Also see my other favorites on this list of the best places to eat at Disney World. (coming soon)
Ready to fly into Orlando to visit Disney?
Hope that answers all your questions about flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and how to get to Disney World.
Are you a foodie?
Checkout my review of Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera if you’re looking for a tasty character meal for brunch, or fine dining Disney foodie spot to grab dinner when you get in from your flight.
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